Marine fires at car thief...

This is a discussion on Marine fires at car thief... within the Home (And Away From Home) Defense Discussion forums, part of the Related Topics category; After disabling the thief's car with a round to the engine (musta been carrying a DE .50, lol).
Ensuing gun battle did not result in ...

Good thing he was not in NY State. Apparently, he needed more than 7 rounds from the appearance of the holes in the vehicle, which all appear to have been goin into the vehicle (hood and window).

Here is the question for someone who understands WA State's laws, if the driver of the Honda was in gear and moving towards the Marine/Owner of the truck, is that technically assualt with a deadly weapon, allowing for deadly force response? You know the PD in that area would justify a shooting where the vehicle was attempted to be used to run them down. I guess it depends if the DA decides if the Marine/Owner of the truck put himself into that situation.........?

Retired USAF E-8. Curmudgeon at large.Lighten up and enjoy life because:Paranoia strikes deep, into your life it will creep. It starts when you're always afraid... Buffalo Springfield - For What It's Worth

Retired USAF E-8. Curmudgeon at large.Lighten up and enjoy life because:Paranoia strikes deep, into your life it will creep. It starts when you're always afraid... Buffalo Springfield - For What It's Worth

My take on it would go like this: One is generally not allowed to use deadly force to protect property only. However, it appears that the BG also had a gun, and that shots were exchanged.

At that point, assuming the BG either produced a weapon first, or threatened the marines life, the marine could employ deadly force/the force needed to neutralize the threat.

When the bad guy fled, that could actually get a little tricky. But if the BG were firing at the marine, no problems with him still be classified as a threat.

As re the BG trying to run the marine over, absolutely it would be considered assault with a deadly weapon, which would allow for use of deadly force in the face of such.

The real bottom line, though, is (IMO), going to be the BGs record, along with respectable witness statements.

In other words, Im pretty sure the marine will be in the clear.

Originally Posted by ANGLICO

Good thing he was not in NY State. Apparently, he needed more than 7 rounds from the appearance of the holes in the vehicle, which all appear to have been goin into the vehicle (hood and window).

Here is the question for someone who understands WA State's laws, if the driver of the Honda was in gear and moving towards the Marine/Owner of the truck, is that technically assualt with a deadly weapon, allowing for deadly force response? You know the PD in that area would justify a shooting where the vehicle was attempted to be used to run them down. I guess it depends if the DA decides if the Marine/Owner of the truck put himself into that situation.........?

Yes, if he or she was driving toward him it is legal to use deadly force, their a sheriff that live next to me I was telling him about some people have use their car to case an accident so they can get your insurance to pay out. In some area they have been doing that so that's is why I have an dam cam in my truck so if a person get in front of me and slam he brake in front of me I would have it on disk, as proof. The sheriff said that if he was to see that he will go to jail, using a car as a weapon to do harm. The place on where this happen is not too far from me, I know the area or have been there.

According to the local news here, the guy stealing the car drew first when the Marine came out and saw them stealing the car. According to the Marine's aunt, he shoved her out of the way of the gun and fired.

The accomplice is crying 'he died in my arms' but from what her mother said in interviews, she'll confirm what happened (which sounded like her boyfriend drawing.)

DA is examining whether or not to charge Marine but IMO if what we know so far is true, it would be BS to do so. I bet being a Marine will also be in his favor.